Originally Posted by The Gila Bender

That made me chuckle, not so much because it's funny but because it is sage advice from one collector to another. Lee, and others, do that for all of us from time to time. That's what makes this forum and the members who willingly share their knowledge and experience very special.

Illini24, you are one fortunate guy and you possess a stunning example of a rare and important piece of S&W history. Please get your .44HE 3rd Target lettered and contact the S&W Historical Foundation for additional information. I'd wager that it was a special order and that there is correspondence and other documentation in the archives. I'd sure like to see an in-depth article in the S&WCA Journal.

And...welcome!